ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: There is limited data regarding the impact of exercise on phenotypic expression in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We aimed to investigate whether such an association exists in a cohort of genotype-positive HCM patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of genotype-positive HCM families, we used structured questionnaires to obtain data regarding intensity and duration of exercise of participants starting at the age of 10, as well as data regarding exercise recommendations and their impact on quality of life (QOL). The association of cumulative metabolic-equivalent hours of exercise at different ages with different measures of phenotypic expression (maximal wall thickness, left atrial diameter, extent of late gadolinium enhancement) was analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 109 patients from 55 families, including 43 male (39%) and 90 (83%) phenotype-positive. No association was identified between exercise duration or intensity with any of the phenotypic markers with the exception of greater cumulative exercise associated with younger age at presentation. Similar results were obtained when analysis was limited to exercise until the age of 20, until the age of 30 or only after 30. Among phenotype-positive patients, 89% recalled receiving recommendations regarding exercise restriction, 29% noted reduction in exercise level following such recommendations and 25% noted this having a significant impact on their QOL. CONCLUSION: We found no association between exercise intensity or duration and phenotypic expression in genotype-positive HCM patients. These findings are important for physician-patient discussions and support the recent trend towards more permissive exercise restrictions in HCM.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mood disorders are associated with decrements in cognitive function, which are insufficiently treated with contemporary pharmacotherapies. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the putative neurotherapeutic effects of the mitochondrial cofactors, L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and alpha-lipoic acid; and to provide a rationale for investigating their efficacy in the treatment of neurocognitive deficits associated with mood disorders. METHODS: A PubMed search of English-language articles published between January 1966 and March 2007 was conducted using the search terms carnitine and lipoic acid. RESULTS: L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid may offer neurotherapeutic effects (e.g., neurocognitive enhancement) via disparate mechanisms including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulation. Preliminary controlled trials in depressed geriatric populations also suggest an antidepressant effect with acetyl-L-carnitine. CONCLUSIONS: L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid are pleiotropic agents capable of offering neuroprotective and possibly cognitive-enhancing effects for neuropsychiatric disorders in which cognitive deficits are an integral feature.
